MEDICAL MARIJUANA COMMITTEE TO FORM?

East Jordan officials tackle topic

EAST JORDAN -- Medical marijuana businesses may be allowed in East
Jordan, it's just a matter of how long city officials will take to
draft local regulations.

The East Jordan Planning Commission met last week and discussed the
Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008 and how it applies to the
small city on the shores of Lake Charlevoix's South Arm. City
resident John Murray also attended the Thursday meeting to share his
plans to open a medical marijuana business there.

"I was looking to opening an office, like a doctor's office, where
you make an appointment and come in and get your medication," Murray said.

Last month, East Jordan leaders adopted a six-month moratorium on
such businesses to allow time to draft a local ordinance to regulate
where those shops can locate and potentially other restrictions. It's
up to municipalities to honor the citizen-sponsored and
voter-approved state law, said Robert Anderson, zoning and city administrator.

"We do have to come up with something. We can't outlaw it," he said.
"Whether or not we agree or disagree doesn't matter."

The board discussed how Michigan's law seemingly contradicts federal
laws and various pertinent legal cases currently are working through
the state's court systems.

"How can we even consider some type of an ordinance when the law is
in flux?" asked Bart Petrich, board member.

Brad Jones, board chairman, asked about required record-keeping and
security. He also said that when he voted in favor of this new state
law, he believed the drug would be dispensed through pharmacies.

Murray, 26, said he intends to open a facility with strong security
that keeps complete records, in an effort to safely serve both local
medical marijuana cardholders and those on vacation in Northern
Michigan. He would base his business plan off of a facility in
Lansing he is familiar with, he said.

However, Murray said he questions why city officials put the kibosh
on such businesses, even if just for six months.

"Why would you prolong a shop from opening?" he asked.

Anderson said that like many other communities across the state, East
Jordan wants to research the new law and create proper local rules
that best suit the community.

Anderson suggested the city create a medical marijuana committee to
tackle a local ordinance to regulate such businesses. He will make
that recommendation to the East Jordan City Commission at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 19, when it meets at City Hall, 201 Main St. in East Jordan.

Perhaps representatives of the county prosecutor and sheriff's
offices could join the committee, along with Police Chief Dale Boehm
Jr., a couple members each from the planning commission and zoning
board of appeals and informed city residents, Anderson said.

Murray said he'd be eager to participate with such a committee, as well.

Anderson said he will begin researching how other neighboring
communities have regulated medical marijuana businesses, such as
Traverse City, where at least eight dispensaries or collectives exist
and more are in the works.